Category: Author Interviews

Last week, Ben Aaronovitch was interviewed for Amazon’s Kindle Blog about his new comic series, RIVERS OF LONDON: BODY WORK. Co-authored by Andrew Cartmel, the comics are set between books four and five of Ben’s Peter Grant urban fantasy series. Here are a couple of snippets from the interview…

Amazon: Have the comics enabled you to explore anything that the books didn’t allow, and is there anything that you’d like to explore in future series?

BEN: The books are written in a very strict first-person narrative style and the comics are much looser – you can follow other characters, do quick one panel flashbacks, memories and other omniscient narrator stuff – which opens up a wide array of possibilities of expanding the world beyond the books.

There are also jokes and action sequences that wouldn’t work within the prose style of the books. Surprise splash pages, rapid chronological intercutting and ironic caption/image counterpoints are tools that aren’t available to me in the books allowing me to expand the story in new ways…

Amazon: Both the comics and the books include rich detail about local history, myths, and legends. What do you enjoy most about the research process?

BEN: The best thing about research is that it’s not actually work in any way or form. Actually that’s not the best thing; the best thing is finding out stuff that you never knew – like the existence of a coffee shop on the Thames in the 18th Century that was called ‘The Folly’. Things like that just drop into your lap and seamlessly integrate into your story as if you’d planned them from the start – it makes you look good.

The first four issues of the comic, published by Titan Comics, are out now. Issue 5 is out next month. The series is illustrated by Lee Sullivan and coloured by Luis Guerrero. Here’s the synopsis…

Peter Grant is one of only two members of a very special branch of London’s Metropolitan Police. He is, in fact, pretty much a wizard and it’s his job to investigate those shadowy crimes that involve urban vampires, weird folk in the underground and, in this case, why cars are suddenly taking on lives of their own and killing innocent folk

The Peter Grant series is published in the UK by Gollancz; in the US by Del Rey and DAW Books; in Germany by DTV; in France by J’ai Lu; and in multiple other territories and languages.

This weekend, Gollancz is hosting the second Gollancz Festival, in Manchester and London. A number of Zeno clients will be in attendance, and we wanted to take this opportunity to share with you the schedules…

The first day of the Festival, October 16th, is in Manchester. There will have two rooms of events, and here are the Zeno appearances…

For the second day of GollanczFest, in London on October 18th, here’s how and when Zeno is represented…

12:30-1:45pm — John Berlyne is hosting ‘Introducing the Class of 2015: The Trials and Tribulations of Being a New Writer’

2:00-2:15pm — Ben Aaronovitch discusses the Process of World Building, with his editor Simon Spanton

2:15-2:30pm — ‘The Role of the Agent in the Publishing Process’ with John Berlyne

Ben Aaronovitch is the author of the best-selling Peter Grant urban fantasy series — the latest novel is FOXGLOVE SUMMER. Aliette de Bodard’s latest novel is the critically-acclaimed THE HOUSE OF SHATTERED WINGS. Ian McDonald’s latest novel is the critically acclaimed LUNA: NEW MOON (which has also been optioned for TV by CBS). Justina Robson’s latest novel is THE GLORIOUS ANGELS. Brandon Sanderson’s latest novel is SHADOWS OF SELF, the fifth novel in the Mistborn series. All of these novels are published in the UK by Gollancz.

Ian McDonald is the author of, most recently, LUNA: NEW MOON. The first in a two-part science fiction series set on the moon, it is published today in the US by Tor Books, and in the UK by Gollancz. Here’s the synopsis…

The Moon wants to kill you. Whether it’s being unable to pay your per diem for your allotted food, water, and air, or you just get caught up in a fight between the Moon’s ruling corporations, the Five Dragons. You must fight for every inch you want to gain in the Moon’s near feudal society. And that is just what Adriana Corta did.

As the leader of the Moon’s newest “dragon,” Adriana has wrested control of the Moon’s Helium-3 industry from the Mackenzie Metal corporation and fought to earn her family’s new status. Now, at the twilight of her life, Adriana finds her corporation, Corta Helio, surrounded by the many enemies she made during her meteoric rise. If the Corta family is to survive, Adriana’s five children must defend their mother’s empire from her many enemies… and each other.

You can read an excerpt from the novel, here. Here’s a selection of the great reviews the novel has received so far…

‘Fans of cerebral, high-concept science fiction will love this exploration of society on the moon many decades after it has been colonized. The focus is more on concept and plot than on character, but the former are compelling enough to make this an addictive page-turner. Including the stories of many characters gives the reader important insights into different facets of society, and although the book starts at a slow pace, it accelerates into a mesmerizing political thriller.‘ — RT Book Reviews

‘A refreshing and complex science fiction of the best kind – one that is universally clever and thought provoking, and one that stays with you long after you close the final page.’ — Upcoming4Me

Melinda Snodgrass is the author of the critically-acclaimed Edge series: THE EDGE OF REASON, THE EDGE OF RUIN, THE EDGE OF DAWN. Published in the US by Tor Books, it is published in the UK by Titan Books. Here’s the synopsis for the first in the series…

A contemporary fantasy that explores the tensions between science and rationality, religion and superstition. An intelligent blend of Dante’s Inferno and Urban Fantasy…

Richard Oort is a cop. He’s also the last Paladin: a reluctant hero, fated to defend the world against demonic forces that threaten to plunge us into another Dark Age.

Richard is on patrol one night when he leaps to the defense of a terrified young woman fleeing something impossible: beings that can only be described as monsters. Beings that can only have been created by magic. But in saving the beautiful Rhianna, he gets drawn into the machinations of a mysterious billionaire who just might be Prometheus and Lucifer. And who claims to be waging a millennia-old war on the side of reason and light, defending humanity from others of his kind who want nothing more than to see us destroy ourselves with superstition, religion, darkness, fear.

But when Richard discovers he’s a Paladin — product of a genetic fluke that enables him to wield Lucifer’s sword — he becomes a central figure in the battle between Light and Darkness. But is he strong enough to bear the burden?

Here’s a selection of reviews the Edge series has received…

‘[A] gritty narrative of a war between light and dark… Balanc[es] a harsh critique of organized religion with touches of humor and a good-hearted priest who grounds his faith in the Golden Rule…’ — Publishers Weeklyon THE EDGE OF REASON

‘Snodgrass has a thick, meaty writing style that will satisfy the hungriest reader… she deftly weaves [her characters’] stories together to bind the interest and excitement of the story. Events in this novel will challenge the beliefs and thought systems of many and leave readers questioning themselves – but in a highly satisfying manner.’ — RT Book Reviewson THE EDGE OF RUIN

‘A rousing finale… A terrific conclusion to this epic urban fantasy, Snodgrass continues to define the genre on her own terms. This is one book readers should grab on to now, because it might prove to be a harbinger for the next phase of urban fantasy. Recommended.‘ — SF Revuon THE EDGE OF DAWN

Zeno represents Melinda Snodgrass in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of Kay McCauley at Aurous, Inc.

The interview coincided with the release of THE HOUSE OF SHATTERED WINGS, which is out now in the UK (Gollancz) and the US (Roc Books). Here’s the synopsis…

Paris has survived the Great Houses War – just. Its streets are lined with haunted ruins, Notre-Dame is a burnt-out shell, and the Seine runs black with ashes and rubble. Yet life continues among the wreckage. The citizens continue to live, love, fight and survive in their war-torn city, and The Great Houses still vie for dominion over the once grand capital.

House Silverspires, previously the leader of those power games, lies in disarray. Its magic is ailing; its founder, Morningstar, has been missing for decades; and now something from the shadows stalks its people inside their very own walls.

Within the House, three very different people must come together: a naive but powerful Fallen, an alchemist with a self-destructive addiction, and a resentful young man wielding spells from the Far East. They may be Silverspires’ salvation. They may be the architects of its last, irreversible fall…

The novel has received some great reviews so far, and we expect even more to come in. Here’s just a sample…

‘A gripping tragedy of forlorn individuals caught up in an angelic version of the Cold War… De Bodard aptly mixes moral conflicts and the desperate need to survive in a fantastical spy thriller that reads like a hybrid of le Carré and Milton, all tinged with the melancholy of golden ages lost.’ — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

‘Will grab readers and force them to pay attention to the amazing writing and the phenomenal characters. de Bodard will sweep you up into the dark and dirty world Paris has become… It’s a whirlwind, it’s heartbreaking and it’s one of the best fantasy novels of 2015.’ — RT Book Reviews (Top Pick August 2015)

‘A beautifully crafted novel full of complex characters… vivid and fast-paced battles and intense political manoeuvrings… with carefully crafted characters both with layers and depth, De Bodard reflects the best and worst of human nature in her novel… an intriguing mystery, elegantly written… Something any avid fantasy reader with an open mind will devour!’ — Guardian

Open Road Media have produced a short video, ‘What Is Steampunk?’, which features two Zeno clients: Ian MacLeod and Simon R. Green. So, we thought we’d share it with you here…

Ian MacLeod is the author of a number of critically-acclaimed and award-winning novels, some of which have been issued as eBooks by Open Road Media. These include THE LIGHT AGES, THE SUMMER ISLES, SONG OF TIME and others. His most recent book, the anthology FROST ON GLASS, was published by PS Publishing in April 2015.

Simon R. Green is the New York Times-bestselling author of the Nightside and Secret Histories series, both of which have been published in the UK by Jo Fletcher Books, in eBook. He is also the author of novelisation of the ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES movie, among others. His most recent novel, THE DARK SIDE OF THE ROAD, was published in the UK and US by Severn House.

As the summer begins, many Zeno clients will be attending many of the myriad literary festivals taking place. This weekend, Ben Aaronovitch and Lavie Tidhar will be attending the Greenwich Literature Festival.

Friday, May 22nd…

Who: Lavie Tidhar

What: ‘Greenwich: where science and fiction meet – Science Fiction Night at Greenwich Book Festival’ — From the race to define longitude to the discovery of ‘canals’ on Mars, the Royal Greenwich has been a hotbed of creative scientific thought for more than three centuries. In what ways does science intersect with fiction, and how do they contribute to each other? And how has the venerable institution itself proven fertile ground for visionaries of all stripes over the decades? Tom Harper (Zodiac Station), Paul McAuley (Something Coming Through) Sarah Lotz (Day Four) and Lavie Tidhar (A Man Lies Dreaming) as they discuss science, fiction and the legacy of the Royal Greenwich. The event will be chaired by Anne C. Perry (editor, Hodder & Stoughton).

Lavie Tidhar is the author of, most recently, the critically-acclaimed A MAN LIES DREAMING (Hodder) and THE VIOLENT CENTURY (Hodder and Thomas Dunne Books), the World Fantasy Award-winning OSAMA (Solaris), The Bookman Histories (Angry Robot), and numerous award-nominated and critically-acclaimed novellas and short stories. Later this year, Titan Comics will publish his first comic series, ADLER.

Saturday, May 23rd…

Who: Ben Aaronovitch

What: ‘Life, But Not as we Know It: creating alternate realities – Ben Aaronovitch at the Greenwich Book Festival. Age 14+*’ — Imagine a London populated not just by you and me, but by tired ghosts and mischievous trickster gods, by magical musicians and apprentice sorcerers, who go about their ordinary days alongside us. A world where the gods of the River Thames still exist, and have day jobs in the City. There’s magic all around, if only you could see it… Join Ben Aaronovich, author of the bestselling, London-bending series Rivers of London, in conversation with his former editor Rebecca Levene, author of Smiler’s Fair and Ghost Dance, as they discuss the tricks, tips, and travails of writing a world that’s very much like our own… except when it isn’t.

Ben Aaronovitch is the critically-acclaimed, best-selling author of the Peter Grant series. The series includes (thus far): RIVERS OF LONDON, MOON OVER SOHO, WHISPERS UNDERGROUND, BROKEN HOMES, FOXGLOVE SUMMER and the upcoming THE HANGING TREE. The series is published in the UK by Gollancz, and in the US by Del Rey (#1-3) and DAW Books. This July, Titan Comics will publish the first issue of a new RIVERS OF LONDON comic series, BODY WORK, which is also written by Ben.

This weekend, Zeno clients Justina Robson and Ben Aaronovitch will be attending the Bradford Literature Festival. Both will have events on Sunday, 17 May.

Justina…

When: 10:30am-12:30pm

What: Masterclass – Fantasy Writing – ‘Science fiction and fantasy writing have never been more popular. Now you can learn the key components of this genre in a masterclass with successful author Justina Robson. In this practical masterclass, Justina will explain how the genre works and teach you how to create credible worlds, compelling plots and engaging characters.’

Justina Robson is the author of, most recently, THE GLORIOUS ANGELS, published by Gollancz. She is also the author of the critically acclaimed Quantum Gravity sci-fi series (published by Gollancz in the UK and Pyr Books in the US), and a number of equally praise stand-alone novels.

Ben Aaronovitch is the author of the Sunday Times-bestselling Peter Grant urban fantasy series, which includes: RIVERS OF LONDON, MOON OVER SOHO, WHISPERS UNDERGROUND, BROKEN HOMES, FOXGLOVE SUMMER and the upcoming THE HANGING TREE. The series is published in the UK by Gollancz, and has been published widely in translation.

In the May issue of Writers Forum, Naomi Foyle has been interviewed about her novels and writing (you can read the interview, above, by clicking on the image).

To coincide with the interview, Naomi has written an article for the Jo Fletcher Books blog, which you can read here.

Naomi is the author of the critically-acclaimed SEOUL SURVIVORS, ASTRA and ROOK SONG. She is published in the UK and US by Jo Fletcher Books. Here’s the synopsis for ROOK SONG, the second novel in her Gaia Chronicles sci-fi series…

Astra Ordott is in exile. Evicted from Is-Land for a crime she cannot regret, she has found work in an ancient fortress in Non-Land: headquarters of the Council of New Continents, the global body charged with providing humanitarian aid to the inhabitants of this toxic refugee camp.

Recovering from a disorienting course of Memory Pacification Treatment, Astra struggles to focus on her overriding goals – to find her Code father and avenge the death of her Shelter mother, Hokma.

But can the CONC compound director, the ambiguous Major Thames, protect her from the hawk-eyed attentions of her old enemies? And who in this world of competing agendas can she trust? The deeper Astra ventures into this new world, the more she realises her true quest may be to find herself.

Here’s just a small sample of the great reviews Naomi’s novels have received…

‘Foyle’s strengths are her impeccable plotting, her rendering of a futuristic Seoul and the depiction of Sydney Travers’ gradual inveiglement in the nightmare of Dr Kim’s cloning experiment.’ — Guardianon SEOUL SURVIVORS

‘It’s a beautiful story, unique and daring, which serves as a solid foundation for everything else to come.’ — Bibliosanctumon ASTRA

‘An enthralling and absorbing read… Offering plenty of twists and surprises, ROOK SONG outdoes its predecessor with a more developed story and plenty of conspiracies that pull the reader in. Book one was a comment on how society should live to protect the planet, book two is a comment on how people should prevent international conflict and wars. We can only wait with bated breath to see what book three will campaign for.’ — Starburston ROOK SONG

Cityreads London is a city-wide celebration of reading, and the 2015 title is Ben’s debut, RIVERS OF LONDON. Thus far, the events have been huge successes and great fun — certainly judging from reactions from across social media platforms. You can find more details of Ben’s schedule on his website.

We mentioned in the past that there was a Cityreads London Goodreads group dedicated to RIVERS OF LONDON. Below you’ll find Ben’s introductory video, which includes some comments on the novel and reading in general…

We mentioned last week that the Cityread launch was held at Covent Garden. The Londonist shot a bit of video at the event…

RIVERS OF LONDON and the other Peter Grant novels are published in the UK by Gollancz. So far, the series also includes MOON OVER SOHO, WHISPERS UNDERGROUND, BROKEN HOMES and FOXGLOVE SUMMER. As a bonus, here is a video clip Ben and Gollancz made for release of FOXGLOVE SUMMER…

Ian McDonald features at 1:34. He is the author of many award-winning novels. Open Road Media have published a number of his novels in eBook. including: OUT ON BLUE SIX, KING OF MORNING QUEEN OF DAY, THE BROKEN LAND, SCISSORS CUT PAPER WRAP STONE and SACRIFICE OF FOOLS.

Ian R. MacLeod features at 2:20. He is also the author of many award-winning novels. Open Road Media have published the following novels of his in eBook: THE GREAT WHEEL,THE LIGHT AGES, THE HOUSE OF STORMS, THE SUMMER ISLES, SONG OF TIME, WAKE UP AND DREAM and SNODGRASS AND OTHER ILLUSIONS.

Simon R. Green, who Zeno represents in the UK and Commonwealth on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency, also features in the video. Simon is the author of the best-selling Nightside and Secret Histories urban fantasy series, both of which were recently released in eBook by Jo Fletcher Books in the UK. He is also, most recently, the author of THE DARK SIDE OF THE ROAD, which was published in the UK by Severn House in January, and will follow in the US in May 2015.

At 2pm this Sunday, December 7th, Caltech University is hosting Andrew Hodges for a lecture about his critically-acclaimed book ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA. The lecture will take place in the Baxter Lecture Hall. Seating is limited, so admittance will be purely on a first come first served basis. Tickets are $10 for Skeptics Society members and the JPL/Caltech community, $15 for nonmembers.

The lecture will be followed by a book signing, and the organisers of the event will have copies of the book available for purchase.

Andrew’s book has been much in the news recently (here and also mainstream media) because it is the inspiration behind the Benedict Cumberbatch-starring movie THE IMITATION GAME, which opened in US cinemas last week. Movie tie-in editions of the book were published last week by Vintage Books (UK), Princeton University Press (North America) and Michel Lafon (France/Quebec).

Great news! This Saturday, Ben Aaronovitch will be appearing at the Raworths Harrogate Literary Festival! Ben will be speaking at the St. George Hotel at 2.00pm. Tickets are only £8 (and currently 2-for-1!). You can book your tickets (and find more details) here.

‘Ever wondered what books your favourite crime writers read? Or what your favourite books say about you?’ Ben will be speaking on these topics and more with Ella Berthoud in a session of Bibliotherapy: LIVE! ‘Ella Berthoud believes that reading the right book could help ease pain, settle your mind or mend a broken heart. Sit back and relax as she diagnoses what ails best selling writer Ben Aaronovitch and recommends the perfect books for him…’

Ben is the author of the fan-favourite and critically-acclaimed London-based urban fantasy Peter Grant Series. The next novel in the series, FOXGLOVE SUMMER, is due to be published in the UK by Gollancz in September 2014. It follows RIVERS OF LONDON, MOON OVER SOHO, WHISPERS UNDERGROUND and BROKEN HOMES (all published in the UK by Gollancz, as well).

This Friday, May 16th, best-selling author Ben Aaronovitch will be taking part in an event hosted by Waterstone’s Bristol.

Murder Most Magical features three of the biggest names in crime/fantasy: alongside Ben, Paul Cornell and Jasper Fforde will be in conversation courtesy of BristolCon. The event is ticketed – tickets are just £3, and are available from the shop.

Ben is, of course, the author of the Sunday Times Bestselling Peter Grant series, published in the UK by Gollancz. The series currently comprises RIVERS OF LONDON, MOON OVER SOHO, WHISPERS UNDERGROUND and BROKEN HOMES, with more novels planned. The series has also been published in the US (by Del Rey and DAW Books), Germany (DTV), France (J’ai Lu), and a number of other territories (more details, here). The next novel in the series, tentatively titled FOXGLOVE SUMMER, is due out later this year – watch this space for more information as-and-when we have it!

Back in March, Ian McDonald was interviewed by Francesco Verso during the DeepCon15 in Fiuggi, Italy. Ian spoke about the craft of writing science fiction, his most important novels – including BRAZYL, RIVER OF GODS and THE DERVISH HOUSE – and it touches on a wide variety of issues such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence and nanotechnology. Ian also offers some hints and information about a certain new book, set on the Moon… Here’s the clip, which was only just made available online:

Ian McDonald’s latest novels, the YA Sci-Fi series Everness – PLANESRUNNER, BE MY ENEMY, and EMPRESS OF THE SUN – are published in the UK by Jo Fletcher Books, and in the US by Pyr Books. His critically-acclaimed and award-winning novels, mentioned near the start of this post (among others), are published in the UK by Gollancz. A number of his backlist titles were recently released as audiobooks by Audible.

Earlier this year, Ian Tregillis, author of the critically acclaimed alternative history Milkweed Triptychand the noir supernatural thriller SOMETHING MORE THAN NIGHT, was a guest for a Sword & Laser hang out. During the interview, he discussed his trilogy and stand alone novel, dropped hints about his upcoming novel, and expanded the backstory of one of his greatest creations, Gretel. The video of the interview is now available online (YouTube), but we thought we’d share it here, too…

Tregillis’s Milkweed Triptychis one of the best-reviewed series we’ve seen in a long time. The three novels – BITTER SEEDS, THE COLDEST WAR, and NECESSARY EVIL – are published in the UK by Orbit Books, and Tor Books in the US. The equally acclaimed SOMETHING MORE THAN NIGHT is published in the US by Tor Books. Head on over to his author page for some of the best review clips for his novels. The first book in Ian’s latest project, The Alchemy Warsseries – CLAKKERS, is due to be published by Orbit Books in November 2014.

Zeno represents Ian Tregillis in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of Kay McCauley at Aurous Inc.